As the 2012 race for President of The United States is heating up, eyes are turning toward Texas Governor Rick Perry. He is being viewed as one of the leaders to grasp the Republican nomination. Several members of the nation’s political constituency are viewing each of the presumed candidates, looking to find which one is presenting the best options for our nation, and which one has the potential to unseat President Obama.

The Lone Star State currently is facing an economic slump. Yet, despite a situation of national recession, Texas has managed to wade through the setting, adding far more opportunities for employment than any other state. Over 732,000 jobs have been allowed to the Texas employment scene during the last decade. This is during a time when the nation as a whole has faced a crippling economic depression.

Texas is a Right to Work State. This is where citizens of these states have the options to choose if they wish to join employment unions, or not to join them. The choice to become a union member is open to most employees, outside of government jobs, and some select career options that choose not to become involved with unions. Texas is one of twenty-two states that tout the Right to Work label.

Governor Perry has been viewed as a leader whom has reduced regulations and taxes on organizations within his state that have created employment opportunities. Texas does not have a state income tax, and taxes on citizens did not double during Perry’s terms. The state’s overall tax rate increased a mere 0.8 percent, from 7.1 percent to 7.9 percent during the first decade of the twenty-first century.

During Perry’s terms in office, property taxes were decreased by one-third the rate that they held before his election. These reductions were countered by increases in cigarette taxes, as well as elevations in the amounts of state companies that pay franchise taxes. Governor Perry has touted these financial achievements as plans that cater to Texans’ sense(s) of fairness…..

Governor Perry has claimed publicly that the tax rates within Texas have worked because of the reduction of business tax rates, and a replacement of franchise taxes with a margins tax of one percent. Some argue that this plan is set for failure, as it levies taxes upon production rates. It motions for the formations of public groupings in order to handle, or to avoid state taxation. This is viewed as potentially damaging because it creates a pyramid setting that allows those whom bond to avoid increased tax rates to escape the heavier tax amounts that are levied upon individuals whom are financially incapable of grouping to reduce tax rates.

As Governor Perry is claiming that taxes have been lowered upon those whom have been offered job opportunities during his terms, it is shown that Texas remains a state that has one of the nation’s highest poverty rates. As of 2010, 18.4% of Texas citizens lived belowthe poverty line. This is accompanied by impoverished Texans not having basic needs that include heatlh insurance and financial assistance programs. Over half of Texas’ citizens are minorities, whom have not received the benefits of basic education, or the elevated employment opportunities that are available in other states!

Many in Texas are saying that the so-callled middle class has been pushed into the level of poverty during Governor Perry’s terms. The jobs that have been created are minimum wage jobs, or those that pay only a slight amount more. A rate of 9.5% of the states work force per hour makes minimum wage, which is the highest rate within The United States. Texas has the lowest minimum wage payment to it’s workers at an average of $7.25 hourly. This depressed distinction is shared only with Mississippi.